Top 10 Sydney designers

Redraw the world of style. These top 10 local designers are putting Sydney firmly on the map, says Kat Hartmann

Tried & true:

Dan Single & George Gorrow - Ksubi
Thanks to the Manly label once known as Tsubi, distressed denim spread from Australia to the world. In 2001, the boys found notoriety at AFW by turning the catwalk into a ratwalk. In recent years, these renegades has relied less on stunts, more on world-conquering designs.
Ksubi 16 Glenmore Rd, Paddington 2021. (02 93616291)

Akira Isogawa - Akira
The designer, who first began his Australian story at Sydney Institute of Technology in 1986, regularly graces the catwalks of Paris. A high-brow artist as much as a womenswear designer, he has been the focus of Powerhouse Museum and MCA exhibitions.
Akira Boutique 12a Queen St, Woollahra 2025. (02 9361 5221)

Sarah-Jane Clarke & Heidi Middleton - Sass & Bide
After breaking into the market in 1999 the all-Australian way (jeans), Sass & Bide have spread their
designer womenswear wings, endorsed by celebrity guardian angels such as Kate Moss.
Sass and Bide Ivy, Shop 6, 320-348 George St, Sydney 2000. (02 9232 4394)

Bowie Wong - Bowie
A Sydney-based designer, adored by the international music contingency: Jared Leto, George Michael, Jet... This son of a Chinese opera singer has been scribbling his elaborate, dramatic urban designs - for street, stage and catwalk - since he was 17.
Bowie Shop 2/1 Transvaal Ave, Double Bay, 2028. (02 9328 0788)

New(er) Kids on the block:

Elke Kramer - Elke
This multi-talented, highly individual Sydney jewellery and accessories designer is constantly reinventing her eponymous label, Elke, be it through her own collections or collaborations with others.
Pretty Dog 1a Brown St, Newtown 2042 (02 9519 7839)

Josh Goot - Josh Goot
Goot's textually inventive creations are drenched in attitude that is born, not acquired. Since launching in 2005, his sassy, sexy Sydney womenswear has earned this 28-year-old acclaim in spades.
The Corner Shop 43 William St, Paddington 2021 (02 9380 9828)

Nathan Smith - Nathan Smith
A desire to dress himself and his friends in "affordable cool" led to Smith's T-shirts becoming a wardrobe staple. Simple, easy, very Sydney. Now the States have fallen in love too. One to watch.
Available at ksubi and The Corner Shop (see details above).

Anna Plunkett & Luke Styles - Romance Was Born
A love of kitsch Australiana, a larrikin spirit and an eye for fine tailoring are catapulting this playful Sydney duo into the stratosphere. Just ask Bjork, Karen O, Debra Harry and pint-sized UK hip-hopstress MIA.
Orson And Blake, 483 Riley St Surry Hills, 2010. (02 8399 2525)

Ben Pollitt - Friedrich Gray
Friedrich Gray is the alter-ego creation of one-time New York stylist turned Sydney designer and ‘it boy', Ben Pollitt. Occasionally Friedrich meets femme fatale in the form of his sultry woman's range but mostly his creations are unisex. The brooding undertones of Friedrich Gray designs give his wares attitude of their own.
Incu Shop RG 23 Galeries Victoria, 500 George St, Sydney 2000 (02 9266 0244)

Toby Jones - Toby Jones Jewellery
Having designed for ksubi and insight, Jones has now struck out on his own with some highly original jewellery and accessories. From chainmesh fingerless gloves to silver clip pendants, Jones has a penchant for turning the quotidian into the unique, earning him shelf space in style-purveying stores across Sydney and Melbourne. Capital L 333 South Dowling Street, Darlinghurst 2011. (02 9361 0111)